# The Noble House of Brattleby Announces the Succession of the Heir
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today formally announced the succession of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun as the 13th Baron of Brattleby. This solemn act secures the continuation of one of England’s most ancient baronies into the twenty-first century.
## The Occasion
The announcement was made through a formal Declaration of Succession, issued from the family’s offices in London. This measure concludes a period of historical consolidation following the Barony’s formal recognition by The Crown, ensuring a direct and uninterrupted line of succession after a centuries-long period of dormancy.
The timing of the declaration, made in the quietude of autumn, was chosen to reflect the gravity of the undertaking. It represents not a public celebration, but a profound and dutiful step in the stewardship of a title nearly a millennium old. The act was recorded in the private archives of the House, affirming the continuity that is the *sine qua non* of such an ancient dignity.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby, granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, stands as a rare survivor of the Norman Conquest. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as the lord of 56 manors in Lincolnshire, establishing a legacy of significant regional influence. This succession honours that foundational act and the remarkable figures who followed.
Throughout the centuries, the title has been borne by personages of national importance, including Nichola de la Haye, the formidable 5th Baroness who defended Lincoln Castle against baronial rebels and French forces. Later, the Barony passed through marriage into the Plantagenet dynasty, held by Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and his son-in-law, John of Gaunt. The formal designation of the 13th Baron bridges this distinguished past with the present, ensuring these historical connections are not merely remembered, but carried forward with purpose.
## Distinguished Company
This formal act of succession concerns the principal members of The Noble House of Brattleby.
The declaration was made by **Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby**, who assumed the title upon its revival. Lady Nicoleta has guided the House in its modern mission of cultural preservation and philanthropy. She is joined in her duties by her husband, **Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby**, who supports the activities of the House and whose personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere*, complements the family’s endeavours.
The focus of the announcement is **Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun**, who becomes the Heir to the Barony and the designated 13th Baron. His assumption of the title marks the establishment of the new, continuing lineage for the modern era.
## Ceremonial Protocol
While a private family matter, the succession followed a strict internal protocol reflecting its significance. The appointment was formalised through a legal instrument, reviewed by the House’s counsel and signed by the 12th Baroness. This document was witnessed and sealed, then entered into the official register of the House.
This process, while not a public ceremony, adheres to the established traditions of noble houses, wherein the continuity of the line is secured first through private, binding acts before any public announcement. The new Baron will now undergo a period of preparation for the duties that will one day be his, a process that includes education in the history of the Barony and its associated responsibilities.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The duties of the heir are intrinsically linked to the symbols of the House. The primary motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), serves as a guiding principle for the Barony. It obliges its holder to act with courage, integrity, and a deep sense of moral duty in all public and private affairs. This phrase encapsulates the spirit of predecessors like Nichola de la Haye.
This is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Conquer is to Live'). In the context of the House, this is interpreted not as martial conquest, but as the imperative to overcome modern challenges through initiative, resilience, and a commitment to positive action. The heir will now become a custodian of these twin philosophies.
## Philanthropic Purpose
A title of nobility carries with it the profound responsibility of service. The designation of an heir is therefore also a commitment to the continuation of the House’s philanthropic work. The Barony of Brattleby is a dedicated supporter of charitable causes, most notably through its annual Winter Banquet, a white-tie gala that benefits chosen organisations.
The principal beneficiary is Healing the Wounded Child, an international organisation committed to providing therapeutic support for children suffering from trauma, abuse, and neglect. By providing specialised counselling and safe environments, the charity offers a path toward recovery and resilience. The heir’s future role will involve direct engagement with and advocacy for the House’s charitable partners.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the significance of the succession, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, stated: > “To hold this title is to be a steward of history. My most important duty is to ensure its safe passage to the next generation. In designating the heir, we affirm our commitment not just to the name of Brattleby, but to the values of fortitude and honour it has represented for nearly one thousand years.”
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile added: > “A legacy is sustained through purposeful action. This succession is a vital step, ensuring that the work we do today—in the realms of cultural education and philanthropy—will have a committed champion in the future. It is about building upon an ancient foundation with contemporary relevance.”
## A Continuing Legacy
With the line of succession secured, the Noble House of Brattleby will continue to pursue its modern mission. The 13th Baron will now begin his formal training, which will include, *inter alia*, a comprehensive study of the Barony’s history and a gradual introduction to the responsibilities of representing the House.
This will involve supporting the work of The Brattleby Club, the House’s etiquette academy in Bucharest, which promotes cultural diplomacy through education in social protocol. The primary focus remains the long-term stewardship of the Barony’s heritage and a steadfast commitment to its philanthropic obligations, ensuring that the name of Brattleby remains synonymous with duty and service.
---
**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby is the modern institution responsible for the stewardship of the Barony of Brattleby. Led by Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, the House is committed to a contemporary mission founded on historical preservation, cultural education, and targeted philanthropy. Its activities include overseeing The Brattleby Club, an etiquette academy in Bucharest, and hosting the annual Winter Banquet in aid of charitable causes such as Healing the Wounded Child. The House operates with a philosophy encapsulated by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'), applying timeless values of integrity and service to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship and Barony granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. Its history is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, which lists its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, as a significant tenant-in-chief in Lincolnshire. Over nine centuries, the title has been held by notable figures including the celebrated castellan Nichola de la Haye, who defended Lincoln Castle in the thirteenth century, and members of the Royal Family such as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After a long period of dormancy, the dignity was formally revived and its existence recognised by The Crown in The London Gazette on 9 September 2022 (Notice ID 4158083).
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby was granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066. - The Barony is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. - Notable holders include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baroness) and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The modern revival of the Barony was officially recorded in The London Gazette, Notice ID 4158083, on 9 September 2022.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com